Myths & factsCommon things people believe about health. Tap one to see the fact.HIV & STIsEveryday contact“You can get HIV from hugging, sharing food or toilets.”You can’t. HIV isn’t passed on through everyday contact.mythSymptoms“You’d know if you had an STI.”Many STIs have no symptoms. Testing is the only way to know.mythLiving with HIV“HIV is a death sentence.”With treatment, people with HIV live long, healthy lives. On effective treatment, it isn’t passed on through sex.mythSexual healthTalking about it“Talking about sex encourages it.”Good sexuality education doesn’t make young people start earlier. It helps them make safer choices.mythConsent“Saying yes once means yes always.”Consent has to be given freely every time, and can be taken back at any point.mythCondoms“Condoms are just for preventing pregnancy.”Condoms also lower the risk of HIV and many other STIs.mythEmotional healthAsking for help“Asking for help is a sign of weakness.”Reaching out is a skill. Most people respond with more care than we expect.mythWhen to reach out“Support is only for people in crisis.”Support helps at any point, not just when things feel heavy.mythGeneral information, not medical advice. For a personal health concern, speak to a doctor or clinic.